Sonora, CA HOA Rules: Assessment & Dues (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual Increase
- Max 20% without member vote
- Special Assessments
- >5% of budget requires member vote
- Pre-Lien Notice
- Required (CC §5660)
- Budget Report
- Annual distribution required
- Small Claims
- Up to $12,500
Summary
HOA assessment rules in Sonora follow the Davis-Stirling Act. Regular assessments cannot increase more than 20 percent per year without member approval. Special assessments exceeding 5 percent of budgeted expenses require member vote.
(a) Annual increases in regular assessments for any fiscal year shall not be imposed unless the board has complied with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 5300 with respect to that fiscal year, or has obtained the approval of a majority of a quorum of members, pursuant to Section 4070, at a member meeting or election.
(b) Notwithstanding more restrictive limitations placed on the board by the governing documents, the board may not impose a regular assessment that is more than 20 percent greater than the regular assessment for the association’s preceding fiscal year or impose special assessments which in the aggregate exceed 5 percent of the budgeted gross expenses of the association for that fiscal year without the approval of a majority of a quorum of members, pursuant to Section 4070, at a member meeting or election.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The Davis-Stirling Act governs HOA assessments. Regular assessments cannot increase more than 20 percent per year without a majority vote of members (Civil Code section 5605). Special assessments exceeding 5 percent of budgeted gross expenses for that year require member approval. The board must distribute an annual budget report and a reserve study. Assessment collection follows strict procedures including pre-lien notices (section 5660). HOAs can record a lien for delinquent assessments but must follow specific procedural requirements. Small claims court is available for assessment disputes up to $12,500.
Violations & Fines
HOAs that improperly levy assessments or fail to follow collection procedures may face legal challenges from homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my HOA raise dues in Sonora?
Can my HOA put a lien on my property for unpaid dues?
What if I disagree with a special assessment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonora
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonora to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.